Motorized Toy Vehicle with Improved Traction Wheels

ABSTRACT

An improved traction wheel structure for a motorized toy vehicle adapted to travel along tracks, rails, wires, strings or the like having vertical top edges or diameters, the wheels being provided with a V-shaped annular traction channel defined by laterally extending traction members extending from the sides of a primary annular channel.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/478,086, filed Mar. 29, 2017.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This application relates generally to the field of motorized, wheeled toy vehicles, and more particularly relates to such toy vehicles adapted to travel along tracks, rails, wires or the like.

Motorized, wheeled toy vehicles are well known. The toy vehicles may be powered by mechanical wind-up mechanisms, battery powered motors, electric powered motors, etc. The toys may be adapted for unrestricted travel, for travel on tracks, rails, wires or the like, for radio-controlled travel, etc.

Many such toy vehicles travel along tracks, rails, wires or the like, such that the layout of the tracks, etc., determines the travel pathway of the toy vehicle. In certain instances, the tracks provide a pair of vertically-extending, laterally-paired, external boundary members (e.g., walls, bumpers, etc.) to control directional movement, whereby the wheels of the toy vehicles roll between the lateral boundaries such that the exterior sides of the wheels or toy vehicle will contact the boundaries, thereby precluding unwanted lateral deviation of the vehicle from the track pathway. In other instances, the wheels of the toy vehicles ride atop a pair of elongated top edges of the tracks or rails, the wheels of the toy vehicle being structured such that an annular flange or rim extends radially outside of the annular contact surface of the wheel, i.e., the flange/rim has a large diameter than the main portion of the wheel, such that the paired flanges preclude excessive lateral movement relative to the track or rails, such as for example as found in a traditional electric train set.

In other instances, each wheel of a toy vehicle is provided with an annular channel extending around the circumference of the wheel, such that each channel defines an interior contact surface bounded by two flanges or rims. The combination of contact surface and paired flanges define a generally C-shaped or U-shaped annular channel. Such a construction allows the wheels to travel on tracks or rails having a pair of thin, vertical walls or structures presenting a pair of narrow edges or runners, as well as allowing travel on a pair of wires or strings. The separation distance between the top edges or runners is equal to the distance between the channels of each transverse wheel pair. With wheels of this design, the toy vehicles may also travel on horizontal surfaces without tracks, rails, wires, strings, etc.—the outer perimeter of the flanges acting as the wheel contact surfaces for the horizontal surface. The channels of the toy vehicle wheels may be square, rectangular, U-shaped or V-shaped.

It is an object of this invention to provide an improved wheel structure for channeled wheels, the improved structure providing greater traction between the wheels and the track, rails, wires, strings, etc., such that the motorized toy vehicles are able to traverse over relatively steep inclined tracks, rails, walls, wires, strings, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective front view showing an embodiment of a toy vehicle with wheels having the improved traction members, the decorative cover being removed from the upper base cover.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 showing the upper base member and lower base member separated from the chassis motor assembly.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, showing the wheel assemblies separated from the motor chassis assembly.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 traveling on a horizontal surface.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 traveling along vertical top edge (VTE) tracks comprising upstanding walls.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 traveling along VTE tracks comprising upstanding walls in an undulating pattern.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 traveling along VTE tracks comprising a pair of strings or wires.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention in various embodiments comprises an improved wheel structure for motorized, wheeled toy vehicles—the vehicles having wheels with annular channels adapted to receive and travel along a pair of parallel, spaced tracks, rails, wires, strings or the like (referred to herein collectively as “tracks”) that present narrow top edges or diameters (referred to herein as a Vertical Top Edge—VTE). The annular channels are sized to receive the VTE's as the toy vehicle travels along the tracks. The sides of the channels are provided with internally extending, opposing traction members, the traction members being physical structures or members that increase traction between the wheels and the narrow VTE's of the tracks. The traction members in a most preferred embodiment are inwardly facing, opposing ridges or ribs extending longitudinally in the radial direction from the wheel central axis, the surfaces of which are dimensioned to define a V-shaped traction channel within the rectilinear, U-shaped or V-shaped primary channel.

In alternative language the invention may be summarized as a motorized wheeled toy vehicle comprising a plurality of laterally paired wheels, each wheel comprising an annular primary channel adapted to receive a vertical top edge of tracks, and each wheel further comprising a traction channel disposed within said primary channel, the traction channel defined by laterally extending, opposing traction members positioned within said primary channel. Furthermore, the invention above wherein said traction channel is V-shaped; wherein each said wheel comprises a wheel axis, and said traction channel widens as the distance from said wheel axis increases; wherein each said wheel comprises a wheel axis, and the lateral dimension of each traction member decreases as the distance from said wheel axis increases; wherein each said wheel comprises a wheel axis, and said traction members are ridges extending in the radial direction from said wheel axis; wherein said traction members are composed of a polymer material; and/or wherein each said wheel comprises an outer wheel half and an inner wheel half, the combination of said outer wheel half and said inner wheel half defining said primary channel and said traction channel.

Alternatively still, the invention may be summarized as a motorized wheeled toy vehicle and tracks set comprising tracks comprising a pair of parallel spaced vertical top edges; a motorized toy vehicle comprising a plurality of laterally paired wheels, each wheel comprising an annular primary channel adapted to receive one of said vertical top edges, and each wheel further comprising a traction channel disposed within said primary channel, the traction channel defined by laterally extending, opposing traction members positioned within said primary channel. Furthermore, this invention wherein said tracks comprise a pair of laterally spaced rails; wherein said tracks comprise a pair of laterally spaced strings or wires; wherein said tracks comprise a pair of laterally spaced walls having undulating vertical track edges; wherein said traction channel is V-shaped; wherein each said wheel comprises a wheel axis, and said traction channel widens as the distance from said wheel axis increases; wherein each said wheel comprises a wheel axis, and the lateral dimension of each traction member decreases as the distance from said wheel axis increases; wherein each said wheel comprises a wheel axis, and said traction members are ridges extending in the radial direction from said wheel axis; and/or wherein said traction members are composed of a polymer material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The drawings are for descriptive and disclosure purposes for better understanding of the structural elements and are not intended to be limiting as to the scope of the claimed invention. Directional terms such as front, rear, forward, backward or the like shall reference the direction of travel of the toy vehicle 10, while terms such as lateral, transverse or the like shall reference the direction perpendicular to the direction of travel.

The invention in various embodiments comprises an improved wheel structure for motorized, wheeled toy vehicles 10—the vehicles 10 having sets of paired wheels 20 with annular primary channels 24 adapted to receive and travel along a pair of spaced tracks, rails, wires, strings or the like (hereinafter referred to collectively as “tracks 92”) that present narrow top edges or diameters 93 that are received within the annular primary channels 24. For ease of reference herein, the term “VTE tracks” shall be used herein to include tracks, rails, walls, wires, strings or the like 92 wherein a pair of equally spaced, parallel, vertical top edges 93 (“VTE”) is presented to the channeled wheels 20 of the motorized toy vehicle 10, the sizing and lateral spacing of the VTE tracks 92 and the primary channels 24 being appropriately chosen such that the VTE's 93 are received within the annular primary channels 24 when the toy vehicle 10 travels along the VTE tracks 92.

As shown best in FIGS. 1-4, a representative motorized toy vehicle 10 may comprise the combination of a motor chassis assembly 11, an upper base member 12 and lower base member 13 encasing the motor chassis assembly 11, and a decorative cover 14 positioned on the upper base member 13, the components being joined by various mechanical fasteners 15, clip structures or the like. In this representative embodiment, the toy vehicle 10 is battery powered. The particular ornamental design of the toy vehicle 10 is not critical to the invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the toy vehicle 10 comprises two sets of laterally spaced wheels 20 that are mounted onto drive axles 16 extending laterally from the motor chassis assembly 11, such that the toy vehicle 10 has a total of four wheels 20 and mimics a typical car or truck. The wheels 20 may be formed in various ways, one such design being illustrated herein as a representative assembly such that each wheel 20 comprises a wheel outer half 20A and a wheel inner half 20B, which are combined and mounted onto a hub 21. Alternatively, each wheel 20 may be formed as a unitary member. Each wheel 20 comprises an annular or circumferential primary channel 24 that defines two flanges 17 on each wheel 20.

The annular primary channel 24 may be rectilinear, U-shaped or V-shaped, and the flanges 17 of the wheels 20 may be narrow or broad, such that the primary channel 24 may occupy a majority or a minority of the overall lateral dimension of the wheel 20. The flanges 17 define or are a component of the contact surface of the wheel 20, the contact surface being the surface that makes contact with a horizontal surface 91, as seen in FIG. 5. The peripheral contact surfaces of wheel 20 may be provided with grooves, treads or the like in the manner of actual vehicle tires to increase traction on the horizontal surface 91.

To improve traction, i.e., increase the grip of the wheels 20 on the VTE tracks 92 such that steep climbs are possible, the sides of the primary channels 24 are provided with opposing traction members 23, the traction members 23 being physical structures or members that extend toward each other from the sides or walls of the primary channel 24. Thus, the traction members 23 extend from the sides of the primary channel 24 laterally (i.e., in a direction parallel to the wheel axis 90), thereby narrowing the width of the primary channel 24.

The traction members 23 present physical projections, protrusions, edges or the like which are adapted to receive and come into contact with the VTE's 93 when the toy vehicle 10 travels along the VTE tracks 92. In a most preferred embodiment the traction members 23 comprise elongated ridges or ribs extending laterally from each wall of the primary channel 24 toward the center of the primary channel 24. The traction members 23 are oriented longitudinally in the radial direction from the central axis 90 of the wheel 20. The contact surfaces of the tractions members 23 are preferably structured so as to define a V-shaped traction channel 22 within the primary channel 24, the traction channel 22 being widest at its exterior and narrowing in the inward direction toward the wheel axis 90. This structure is accomplished by shortening the lateral dimension of the traction elements 23 as the distance from the wheel axis 90 increases.

The traction members 23 on each side of the primary channel 24 may be arranged so as to directly face each other or to be offset or alternating, the offset or alternating arrangement being preferred as this especially increases traction when the VTE tracks 92 are composed of non-rigid wires or strings, as shown in FIG. 8, or paired vertical walls having an undulating or non-linear VTE 93, as shown in FIG. 7. The V-shape of the traction channel 22 creates a wedging effect that reduces slippage as the wheels 20 turn, the weight of the toy vehicle 20 insuring that the wheels 20 fully seat onto the VTE tracks 92.

While the material of construction for the wheels 20 and/or the traction members 23 is not critical, a polymer material is preferred over a metal or ceramic material, as the polymer material provides low material costs and manufacturing process costs, provides higher surface friction properties, and allows for great variety in both functional and decorative design. The density, tackiness, compressibility and surface texture of the polymer material can be varied as desired to increase traction, with a softer polymer material being preferred.

It is to he understood that equivalents and substitutions for certain elements as described above may be obvious to those of skill in the art, and therefore the true scope and definition of the invention is to be as set forth in the following clams. 

1. (canceled)
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 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. (canceled)
 11. A motorized wheeled toy vehicle and tracks set comprising: tracks comprising a pair of parallel spaced vertical top edges on smooth-sided walls; a motorized toy vehicle comprising a plurality of laterally paired wheels, each wheel comprising an annular primary channel adapted to receive one of said vertical top edges, said primary channel being rectilinear or U-shaped, and each wheel further comprising a V-shaped traction channel disposed within said primary channel, the traction channel defined by laterally extending, opposing traction members positioned within said primary channel, said traction members being composed of a polymer, and wherein said traction members engage said tracks in a frictional manner.
 12. The toy vehicle and tracks set of claim 11, wherein said tracks comprise a pair of laterally spaced rails.
 13. The toy vehicle and tracks set of claim 11, wherein said tracks comprise a pair of laterally spaced strings or wires.
 14. The toy vehicle and tracks set of claim 11, wherein said tracks comprise a pair of laterally spaced walls having undulating vertical track edges.
 15. (canceled)
 16. The toy vehicle and tracks set of claim 11, wherein each said wheel comprises a wheel axis, and said traction channel widens as the distance from said wheel axis increases.
 17. The toy vehicle and tracks set of claim 11, wherein each said wheel comprises a wheel axis, and the lateral dimension of each traction member decreases as the distance from said wheel axis increases.
 18. The toy vehicle and tracks set of claim 11, wherein each said wheel comprises a wheel axis, and said traction members are ridges extending in the radial direction from said wheel axis.
 19. (canceled)
 20. The toy vehicle of claim 11, wherein each said wheel comprises a wheel axis, and said traction channel widens as the distance from said wheel axis increases, the lateral dimension of each traction member decreases as the distance from said wheel axis increases, and said traction members are ridges extending in the radial direction from said wheel axis.
 21. A motorized wheeled toy vehicle and tracks set comprising: tracks comprising a pair of parallel spaced vertical top edges on smooth-sided walls; a motorized toy vehicle comprising a plurality of laterally paired wheels, each wheel comprising an annular primary channel adapted to receive one of said vertical top edges, said primary channel being rectilinear or U-shaped, and each wheel further comprising a V-shaped traction channel disposed within said primary channel, the traction channel defined by laterally extending, opposing traction members positioned within said primary channel, said traction members being composed of a polymer; and wherein said tracks are configured such that said traction members engage said tracks in a frictional manner.
 22. The toy vehicle and tracks set of claim 21, wherein said tracks comprise a pair of laterally spaced rails.
 23. The toy vehicle and tracks set of claim 21, wherein said tracks comprise a pair of laterally spaced strings or wires.
 24. The toy vehicle and tracks set of claim 21, wherein said tracks comprise a pair of laterally spaced walls having undulating vertical track edges.
 25. The toy vehicle and tracks set of claim 21, wherein each said wheel comprises a wheel axis, and said traction channel widens as the distance from said wheel axis increases.
 26. The toy vehicle and tracks set of claim 21, wherein each said wheel comprises a wheel axis, and the lateral dimension of each traction member decreases as the distance from said wheel axis increases.
 27. The toy vehicle and tracks set of claim 21, wherein each said wheel comprises a wheel axis, and said traction members are ridges extending in the radial direction from said wheel axis. 28 (new) The toy vehicle of claim 21, wherein each said wheel comprises a wheel axis, and said traction channel widens as the distance from said wheel axis increases, the lateral dimension of each traction member decreases as the distance from said wheel axis increases, and said traction members are ridges extending in the radial direction from said wheel axis 